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Body Condition Predicts Foraging Strategy and Response to Sonar in a Deep-Diving Top Predator
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Body Condition Predicts Foraging Strategy and Response to Sonar in a Deep-Diving Top Predator
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Journal Article
Body Condition Predicts Foraging Strategy and Response to Sonar in a Deep-Diving Top Predator
2025
Overview
Lipid-store body condition influences how animals balance the risk of starvation against other perceived threats, such as predation. Animals in poor condition may be expected to prioritise immediate foraging needs over protection of future assets; tolerating greater risks to obtain foraging benefits. However, in some species where condition influences escape or defensive abilities, an opposite response pattern can emerge. Similar trade-offs are expected to drive response to anthropogenic noise. We used DTags to quantify tissue density (a proxy for body condition) and record behaviour in 29 free-ranging sperm whales and tested for an association between body condition and behaviour during undisturbed baseline periods and sonar exposures. Less dense individuals (in better body condition) were more likely to employ a deep-diving foraging strategy during baseline and showed smaller reductions in foraging performance during sonar exposures compared with denser individuals. At a sound exposure level of 160 dB re 1 µPa2s and after controlling for other covariates, GAMM modelling predicted a reduction in probability of buzz initiation (a proxy for prey capture attempts) of 20-41% relative to baseline for animals with a body density of 1031 kg/m2 For those with a body density of less than approximately 1029.75 kg/m2, the models predicted no significant decrease. These results are consistent with state-behaviour feedback predicted to exacerbate disturbance impacts from repeated or multiple stressors, with potential to inform predictions of their population consequences.
